Shipping a car from the United States to the UK
Whether you are moving back to the UK or you have found the car you want in the United States, we handle the whole journey: collection, shipping, customs and delivery.
How it works from the United States
It starts with a quote. There is no instant calculator here: a person writes yours with current prices and the best way to ship your car.
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Collection
We collect from your address or dealer anywhere in the United States and truck it to the port. Depending on its value, we will quote for open or enclosed transport to the port. If you want enclosed, just say so on the quote form.
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Shipping
Unless you pay for a container of your own, your car shares one with other customers’ cars, which keeps the price down. We keep you updated from the day it sails.
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Customs
We handle the customs paperwork at both ends. In the UK we are HMRC CDS authorised agents, so we clear the car ourselves and make sure you pay the right amount, with no unnecessary add-ons.
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Arrival
The car comes to our site in Castle Donington, where our team unloads it. Collect it from us, or we can deliver it anywhere in the UK on an open or enclosed trailer.
From the United States: the details
We collect from anywhere in the USA and truck the car to the port. RoRo is generally a little quicker; a container keeps the car sealed and comes straight to our site to be unloaded.
Ports
East Coast sailings take around 2 weeks, West Coast around 4. Allow about 2 weeks before that for paperwork and loading.
Paperwork
- The car’s title or registration
- Bill of sale or purchase invoice
- Passport or driving licence
Usually needs changing
- Amber indicators, because North American cars usually flash red at the back
- Side markers at the front of the doors
- A rear fog light
- Headlights adjusted or replaced for driving on the left
Tax and duty
A car from the United States usually pays 20% import VAT plus 10% duty. Cars over 30 years old pay 5% VAT and no duty. And if you are moving here after more than 12 months abroad, with a car you have owned for over 6 months, Transfer of Residence makes it tax and duty free.
We work out what applies to your car when we quote, so the number you see is the number you pay. Want a rough idea now? Try the import tax calculator.
Moving here? Read how to bring your car tax free. Bringing a UK car home? See what you need.
Getting it on UK roads
Shipping a Car is part of My Car Import, so if you want the car on UK plates it can go straight into testing on the same site. Which test it needs depends mostly on its age:
- Under 10 years old
- IVA test, on our own lane, plus any changes it needs
- 10 to 40 years old
- MOT, usually with a rear fog light added
- Over 40 years old
- No MOT needed
We run one of only seven privately operated IVA centres in Great Britain, and our dealer-level DVLA account lets us register imported cars within 10 working days.
Importing a car from the United States, the full guideQuestions people ask
How long does it take to ship a car from the United States to the UK?
Around 2 to 4 weeks at sea, as a guide. Sailing dates, customs checks and how busy the route is all play a part, so your quote will give you a firmer estimate.
How much does it cost to ship a car from the United States?
Our guide price is from £1,450 for a car, built from a year of real jobs. It covers shipping only: registration, other services, import tax and remedial fees are extra. Motorbikes start from £1,250.
Will I pay import tax?
A car from the United States usually pays 20% import VAT plus 10% duty. Cars over 30 years old pay 5% VAT and no duty. And if you are moving here after more than 12 months abroad, with a car you have owned for over 6 months, Transfer of Residence makes it tax and duty free.
What paperwork do I need?
Usually: the car’s title or registration, bill of sale or purchase invoice, passport or driving licence.
Can you register the car once it is here?
Yes. Shipping a Car is part of My Car Import, so testing and registration happen on the same site. Our dealer-level DVLA account lets us register imported cars within 10 working days.
Shipping from the United States?
Where it is, what it is and when you need it here. We will come back with a price for the whole job, not just the boat.
Rather talk it through? Call 01332 810442
